Reclaiming VAT on mileage from previous employers over the years

axel_thesleff

So I've worked for quite a few employers over the past 5+ years and drove about the country using my own car (insured for business use too etc.) and expensed fuel back, usually 20-25p a mile, however only just been told i can claim back additional money from the government.

Is this true and how do you go about it, do my previous employers have to comply and give me a log of my fuel / mileage expenses as I haven't really been keeping track as didn't think it was relevant.

Thanks

phill99

What has the VAT got to do with it?

pramsay13

You can't claim VAT but you can claim tax relief on some mileage.
More details here:
https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/vehicles-you-use-for-work

00ec25

axel_thesleff wrote: »

So I've worked for quite a few employers over the past 5+ years and drove about the country using my own car (insured for business use too etc.) and expensed fuel back, usually 20-25p a mile, however only just been told i can claim back additional money from the government.

Is this true and how do you go about it, do my previous employers have to comply and give me a log of my fuel / mileage expenses as I haven't really been keeping track as didn't think it was relevant.

Thanks

was this a conversation down the pub?

why do you think you, an employee, can claim VAT back on fuel purchases used in travelling for a business whose VAT return has nothing whatsoever to do with you financially?

moreover, you state you have not retained a mileage log, therefore what is your proof of mileage done for business purposes reimbursed at what rate?

if none of your expense claims were paid at higher than 25 pence per mile then yes, your employer could have paid you more tax free. Consequently you could now be entitled to the TAX on the underpaid difference (assuming your car falls into the 45p bracket for the first 10,000 miles).
That would be worth 4 pence per mile as a tax refund (45-25 = 20 x 20%), but you have no proof to support a claim and would be unwise to try to make one on that basis.